Code translating device for a start-stop teleprinter



. c. RICCIARDI ETAL 3,450,837

June 17, 1969 CODE TRANSLATING DEVICE FOR A START-STOP TELEPRINTER FiledJuly 21. 19s? INVENTOR GIUSEPPE alccm m anuuo SANDRONE BY I AGENT U.S.Cl. 17823 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE In a start-stopteleprinter wherein a code combination is received under the control ofan arrhythmical cyclically operating shaft, and wherein a set ofprinting code members is simultaneously and rhythmically settable by ashaft continuously rotating at a predetermined frequency, a translatingdevice comprises a first set of transfer members adapted to bepredisposed arrhythmically and operable by a first pair of universalbars repeatedly driven at a frequency multiple of said predeterminedfrequency by a second shaft rotatable concomitantly with the firstshaft. The transfer members of the first set upon being so operatedpredispose a second set of transfer members operable by a second pair ofuniversal bars at said predetermined frequency to accordingly set theprinting code members.

Background of the invention This invention relates to a code translatingdevice for a start-stop teleprinter wherein a set of code elements issequentially set according to the various units of a received codecombination under the control of an arrhythmical cyclically operatingmechanism upon receiving a start impulse, and wherein a set of printingcode members is simultaneously settable according to the codecombination represented by said elements for controlling a typeselecting mechanism operable by a continuously rotating shaft at apredetermined frequency and when said shaft reaches predeterminedangular positions, said device comprising a set of sensing membersconditionable by said operating mechanism for simultaneously sensingsaid code elements.

The known code translating devices generally comprise a set of sensingmembers adapted to sense the code elements with a predetermined delay inrespect to the reception of the code combination. In a knownteleprinter, the type selecting mechanism is operated by a continuouslyrotating shaft when this latter reaches a predetermined angularposition. Therefore, the selecting mechanism should be predisposedsubstantially immediately before the continuously rotating shaft reachessaid predetermined angular positions, while the code elements are sensedarrythmically, whereby the known code translating devices are unable tocorrectly control the synchronously operable selecting mechanism.

Summary of the invention This disadvantage is obviated by the codetranslating device according to the invention, which is characterized bya set of transfer members adapted to be predisposed by said sensingmembers and operable by at least a universal bar to set said printingcode members, a member continuously operated by said shaft being adaptedto repeatedly drive said universal bar at a frequency multiple of saidpredetermined frequency.

Brief description of the drawing This and other characteristics of theinvention will become apparent from the following description of a nitedStates atent preferred embodiment thereof, and from the accompanyingdrawing, which represents a perspective view of a code translatingdevice for a start-stop teleprinter according to the invention.

Description of the preferred embodiment of the invention With referenceto the drawing, the numeral 49 indicates a fluted shaft continuouslyrotated counterclockwise at a predetermined angular speed by theconventional electric motor of a teleprinter, this motor not being shownin the drawing. Secured to the shaft 49 is a pulley 48, which through abelt 47 is connected to another pulley 46 having a diameter half thediameter of the pulley 48. The pulley 46 is secured to a second shaft 7,which is rotatable on the machine frame.

The teleprinter is provided with an arrhythmically operating mechanismcomprising the conventional receiving main shaft 3, which is rotatablymounted within a sleeve 12 secured to the machine frame. The shaft 3 isconnected through a friction joint, generically indicated by the numeral4, to a toothed wheel 5 rotatably mounted on the shaft 3 and meshingwith a similar toothed wheel secured to the shaft 7. Furthermore,secured to the shaft 3 is an arm 8 normally urged by the friction joint4 to contact a trip member 9 adapted to release the arm 8 upon receivinga start impulse, for causing the shaft 3 to arrhythmically effect a onerevolution receiving cycle.

Rotatably mounted on the sleeve 12 is a set of five code elements orarms 14 adapted to be sequentially set in one of two positions,according to the various units of a received code combination, under thecontrol of the shaft 3, for example in the manner described in theUnited States patent application Ser. No. 638,180, dated Apr. 25, 1967.

Secured to the shaft 3 is a cam 15 normally contacted by a lever 17fulcrumed at 18 and urged clockwise by a spring 16. The lever 17normally holds a clutch 21 disengaged. The clutch 21 when engaged causesa sleeve 22 to be cyclically rotated one revolution by the shaft 7.Secured to the sleeve 22 is a pair of complementary cams 23 cooperatingwith a lever 25 fulcrumed on a stationary shaft 26. In turn the lever 25is connected by a link 30 to an arm 31 of a bail 32. This latter isfulcrumed on a stationary shaft 33 and carries a bar 34 pivotallymounting five swing levers 35.

Each swing lever 35 is connected to a pair of sensing members or slides36 and 37, each one vertically slidable on a stationary shaft 39 forsensing a corresponding arm 14. The slides 36 and 37 are each oneprovided with a shoulder 40 cooperating with a corresponding pin 41 and42 respectively, of a second swing lever 43 frictionally mounted on astationary shaft 44.

The teleprinter comprises also a type selecting mechanism of the kinddescribed in the United States patent application Ser. No. 616,993,dated Feb. 17, 1967. More particularly, the selecting mechanismcomprises a set of synchronous clutches, generically indicated by thenumeral 50, only one of which is shown in figure. Each clutch 50comprises a driven member 51 having a mutilated pinion 52 provided withtwo diametrically opposite and axially offset starting elements orprojections 53 and 54 disposed in correspondence with two portions 45 ofthe pinion 52 deprived of teeth. Furthermore, each clutch 50 comprises adriving member 55 rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft 45 and havinga pinion 56 and a pair of diametrically opposite counterelements orteeth 57 for starting the rotation of the driven member 51. The pinions56 constantly mesh with corresponding pinions 58 secured to a sleeve 59bodily rotatable with the shaft 49, but axially slidable thereon.

Each clutch 50 may be engaged by displacing the driving member 55.fromone of two axial positions in any angular position of the driving member55, excluding two angular portions. Said angular portions are those inwhich one of the teeth 57 is axially aligned with one of the projections53 or 54 when the clutch is disengaged, and correspond to the startingperiod when the clutch is engaged. Each clutch is automaticallydisengaged after being rotated 180 degrees. The driving members 55 ofthe clutch 50 have the teeth 57 angularly arranged so that all theengaged clutches 50 may be simultaneously started with a frequency twicefor each revolution when the shaft 49 reaches two predetermined angularpositions distanced 180 degrees.

Each driving member 55 is engaged by a lug 160 of a lever 60 fulcrumedon a pivot 61 secured to a lug 161 of a carriage not shown in thedrawings, said carriage being transversely movable step by step andmounting the conventional type carrier, the sleeve 59 and the clutches50. Each lever 60 is provided with a notched lug 62 embracing a printingcode bar 63 rockable by means of two pivots 64 on the machine frame.

The code translating device comprises a first set of transfer members,each one formed of a slide 66 having a notch 166 slidably engaging aprojection 65 of a corresponding lever 43. Each slide 66 is also linkedwith a lever 67 fulcrumed on a stationary shaft 68 and is provided withtwo shoulders 69 and 70 oppositely projecting therefrom and adapted toselectively cooperate with a pair of uni versal bails 71, and 72respectively. The universal bail 71 is fulcrummed on a stationary shaft73, while the universal bail 72 is fulcrumed on the shaft 33. Theuniversal bails 71 and 72 are linked by a link 74 so as to bereciprocated in opposite directions.

The translating device comprises also a first actuator formed of a lever75 fulcrumed on a stationary shaft 76. The lever 75 is provided with alug 77 adapted to cooperate with a shoulder 78 of a coupling member orlever 79 fulcrumed on a pivot 80 of the link 74. Furthermore, the lever75 is provided with a pin 81 engaging a cam groove 82 provided on a disk83 secured to the shaft 7. The cam groove 82 comprises two identical andopposed lobes 84 spaced by two depressions 85.

The lever 79 is normally urged by a spring 88 to contact a lug 89 of alever 90, which normally holds the shoulder 78 out of the path of thelug 77. The lever 90 is pivoted on the shaft 68 and is normally urged bya spring 92 to contact a lug 93 of a bail 94 fulcrumed on the shaft 26.Furthermore, the link 74 is provided with a projection 107 urged by thespring 88 to contact a stationary stop pin 108. The bail 94 is providedwith an arm 95 cooperating with a pair of complementary cams 96 securedto the sleeve 22.

The levers 67 are pin and slot connected with a second set of transfermembers or slides 97, each one provided with a projection 98 engaging anotch of a slide 99 slidable on two stationary shafts 100 andcooperating with a spring urged locking member 101. Each slide 99 isprovided with another notch engaging an arm 109 secured to the pivot 64of the corresponding code bar 63.

Each slide 97 is provided with two shoulders 102 and 103 adapted tocooperate with a second pair of universal bails 104 and 105. Theuniversal bail 104 is pivoted on the shaft 33, while the universal bail105 is pivoted on the shaft 26, the two bails 104 and 105 being linkedby a link 106. This latter is operable by a second actuator formed of alever fulcrumed on the shaft 76 and provided with a lug 111 adapted tocooperate with a shoulder 112 of another lever 113 fulcrumed on a pivot114 of the link 106.

The lever 110 is provided with a pin 115 engaging a second carn groove116 provided on another disk 11'7 secured to the shaft 7. The cam groove116 is provided with a single lobe 118 angularly aligned with one of thedepressions 85 of the cam groove 82 and therefore located incorrespondence with the angular portion of the shaft 7 allowing theengagement of the-clutches 50. The lever 113 is normally urged by aspring 120 to contact a lug 121 of a bail 122 holding the shoulder 112out of the path of the lug 111. The link 106 is also provided with aprojection 123 normally urged by the spring 120 to contact a stationarystop pin 124. The bail 122 is pivoted on the shaft 68 and is providedwith a pin 125 normally urged by a spring 126 to contact an edge 127 ofthe universal bail 72.

The translating device operates as follows.

Normally the shaft 49 is continuously rotated counterclockwise togetherwith the sleeve 59 and the pinions 58 at a predetermined frequency orangular speed. In turn the shaft 49 through the pulley 47 rotates theshaft 7 in the same direction at an angular speed which is twice that ofthe shaft 49. The pinions 58 continuously rotate the driving members 56of the clutches 50 clockwise.

When the start signal of a code combination is received, theconventional receiving electromagnet not indicated in figure, operatesthe member 9 so as to release the arm 8, whereby the shaft 3 is startedto effect a cycle of 360 degrees clockwise, at an instant which isindependent from the angular position of the driven members 56. Duringthe cycle of the shaft 3 the arms 14 are sequentially and selectivelypositioned according to the received code combination.

Furthermore, during the cycle of the shaft 3, the cam 15 rocks the lever17 counterclockwise, thus engaging the clutch 21, whereby the sleeve 22is started to effect a cycle of 360 degrees counterclockwise, with apredetermined delay with respect to the cycle of the shaft 3. Then,after the last arm 14 has been positioned, and while the stop impulse isreceived, the cams 23 of the sleeve 22 rock the lever 25counterclockwise, whereby the link 30 rocks the bail 32counterclockwise. Therefore, the bail 34 through the swing levers 35displaces all pairs of slides 36 and 37 downwards, thus sensing the arms14. The slide 36 or 37 of each pair encountering the arm 14, is arrestedwhereby, while the other slide continues its stroke, whereby through theshoulders 40 and the pins 41, 42, set up the levers 43 according to theposition of the sensed arms 14. Then the levers 43, through theprojections 65, predispose the slides 66 by vertically displacing same.

Thereafter the cams 96 of the sleeve 22 rock the bail 94 clockwise,whereby the lug 93 rocks the lever 90 counterclockwise, thus releasingthe lever 79 from the lug 89. The lever 90 remains latched in the rockedposition by a shoulder 128 of the lever 79.

In turn the cam groove 82 continuously oscillates the bail 75 twiceduring each revolution of the shaft 7. When the lever 79 is released, ifthe lug 77 of the lever 75 is located above the shoulder 78, the spring88 rotates the lever 79 counterclockwise till bringing the shoulder 78into the path of the lug 77. Then the lever 75 is rockedcounterclockwise and drives the lever 79 downwards bodily with the link94, which rocks the universal bails 71 and 72 clockwise. Therefore, thebail 71 encounters the shoulders 69 of the slides 66 predisposedupwards, which are thus displaced leftwards, while the bail 72encounters the shoulders 70 of the slides 66 predisposed downwards whichare thus displaced rightwards, in the case the slides 66 are not yet solocated. The slides 66 predispose the corresponding slides 97 upwards ordownwards according to their location.

On the contrary, in the case the lever 79 is released when the lug 77 ofthe lever 75 is located in the lower position, the lever 79 istemporarily stopped by the lug 77. The shoulder 78 will snap under thelug 77 only after this latter is returned upwards. Thereafter theuniversal bails 71 and 72 are rocked as in the preceding case.

Subsequently the cams 23 rock the bail 32 clockwise, thus displacing thebar 34 upwards. Then the slides 36 and 37, which remained in the upperposition are arrested by the corresponding shaft 39, whereas the otherslides 36 and 37 are returned upwards, whereby the levers 43 return tothe position shown in the drawing.

In any case, upon displacing the lever 79 downwards, the shoulder 128releases the lug 89, whereby the lever 90 may be returned to theposition shown in the drawing. Then the cam groove 82 returns the lever75 clockwise, whereby the lug 77 releases the shoulder 78, and thespring 88 restores the link 74 together with the universal bails 71 and72. The horizontal arms of the lever 79 is now stopped by the lug 89,whereby the lever 79 is rocked clockwise and returns the shoulder 78 outof the path of the lug 77.

When the bail 72 is rocked clockwise, the edge 127 engages the pin 125,then rocking the bail 122 counterclockwise releasing the lever 113 fromthe lug 121. Then the spring 120 rocks the lever 113 counterclockwise.At that instant the lug 111 is always located in the upper position,whereby the lever 113 immediately brings the shoulder 112 into the pathof the lug 111 of the lever 110. In turn the bail 122 is latched in therocked position by a shoulder 129 of the lever 113.

Thereafter the single lobe of the cam groove 118 rocks the lever 110counterclockwise. The lug 111 drives the lever 113 downwards togetherwith the link 106, thus rocking the two universal bails 104 and 105clockwise. The bails 104 and 105 selectively engage the shoulders 102and 103 of the various slides 97, in a manner similar to the bails 71,72 on the shoulders 69, 70. The slides 97 are thus selectively displacedrightwards or leftwards together with the slides 99, which through thearms 109 set up the corresponding code bars 63. These latter through thelevers 60 axially displace the corresponding driving members 55 of theclutches 50, immediately before the shaft 49 reaches the angularposition wherein the teeth 57 may engage the teeth 53, and thereforeduring the portion of its revolution, wherein the teeth 57 are notaxially aligned with the teeth 53. Thereafter the teeth 57 engage theteeth 53 of the displaced driven members 51, thus starting a cycle of180 degrees of the corresponding clutches 50, to select the type to beprinted in a known manner.

When the lever 113 is displaced downwards, the bail 122 is restoredclockwise by the spring 126. Then the cam groove 118 returns the lever110 clockwise, thus causing the spring 120 to restore the link 106together with the universal bails 104 and 105, and the lever 113 in amanner similar to that described for the lever 79.

From the above description it becomes apparent that the transfer members64 are adapted to be predisposed by the sensing members 43 uponarrhythmically receiving a code combination, and are operable by atleast a universal bar 71, 72 to set the printing code members 63, amember 7 continuously operated by the shaft 49 being adapted torepeatedly drive the universal bar 71, 72 at a frequency multiple of thefrequency of the shaft 49.

What is claimed is:

1. In a start-stop teleprinter comprising an arrhythmical cyclicallyoperating mechanism conditionable for op eration upon receiving a startimpulse, a set of code elements sequentially settable under the controlof said Operating mechanism according to the various units of a receivedcode combination, a set of printing code members simultaneously settableaccording to the code combination represented by said elements, acontinuously rotating shaft, and a type selecting mechanism controlledby said printing code members and adapted to be operated by said shaftat a predetermined frequency, a code translating device having at leasta set of sensing members conditionable for simultaneously sensing saidcode elements by means controlled by said operating mechanism, andwherein the improvement comprises:

(a) a set of transfer members adapted to be predisposed by said sensingmembers and operable for setting said printing code members,

(b) a universal bar for operating said transfer members so predisposed,

(c) a member continuously operated concomitantly with said shaft,

(d) and means driven repeatedly by said continuously operated member ata frequency multiple of said predetermined frequency for driving saiduniversal bar.

2. A device according to claim 1, comprising in combination:

(e) an actuator comprised in said driven means and rhythmicallyoscillated by said continuously operated member,

(f) a coupling member connected to said universal bar and adapted to beengaged by said actuator,

(g) a control member normally preventing said coupling member from beingengaged by said actuator,

(h) and means controlled by said operating mechanism for disabling saidcontrol member to cause said coupling member to be so engaged.

3. In a start-stop teleprinter comprising an arrhythmical cyclicallyoperating mechanism conditionable for operation upon receiving a startimpulse, a set of code elements sequentially settable under the controlof said operating mechanism according to the various units of a receivedcode combination, a set of printing code members simultaneously settableaccording to the code combination represented by said elements, a shaftcontinuously rotating at a predetermined frequency, and a type selectingmechanism controlled by said printing code members and adapted to beoperated by said shaft upon reaching predetermined angular positions, acode translating device having at least a set of sensing membersconditionable for simultaneously sensing said code elements by meanscontrolled by said operating mechanism, and wherein the improvementcomprises:

(a) a set of transfer members for setting said printing code members,

(b) a set of connecting members each one connected to one of saidsensing members and one of said transfer members so as to displace saidtransfer member in a first direction according to the position assumedby said sensing member,

(c) a pair of shoulders on each one of said transfer members,

(d) a pair of universal bars adapted to selectively cooperate with saidpair of shoulders for simultaneously operating said transfer members sodisplaced,

(e) means mutually connecting said universal bars so as to besimultaneously oppositely reciproacted,

(f) a member continuously operated concomitantly with said shaft,

(g) and means driven repeatedly by said continuously operated member ata frequency multiple of said predetermined frequency for reciprocatingsaid universal bars to displace said transfer members in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to said first direction.

4. A device according to claim 3, comprising in combination:

(h) a link comprised in said connecting means for linking said universalbars,

(i) an actuator comprised in said driven means and rhythmicallyoscillated by said continuously operated member,

(j) a coupling member connected to said link and adapted to be engagedby said actuator,

(k) a control member normally preventing said coupling member from beingengaged by said actuator,

(l) and means controlled by said operating mechanism for disabling saidcontrol member to cause said coupling member to be so engaged.

5. In a start-stop teleprinter comprising an arrhythmical cyclicallyoperating mechanism conditionable for operation upon receiving a startimpulse, a set of code elements for sequentially settable under thecontrol of said operating mechanism according to the various units of areceived code combination, a set of printing code members simultaneouslysettable according to the code combination represented by said elements,a continuously rotating shaft, and a type selecting mechanism controlledby said printing code members and adapted to be operated by said shaftat a predetermined frequency upon reaching predetermined angularpositions, a code translating device having at least a set of sensingmembers conditionable for simultaneously sensing said code elements bymeans controlled by said operating mechanism, and wherein theimprovement comprises:

(a) a first set of transfer members adapted to be predisposed by saidsensing members,

(b) a first universal bar for operating said first set of transfermembers so predisposed,

(c) a member continuously operated concomitantly with said shaft,

(d) first means driven repeatedly by said continuously operated memberat a frequency multiple of said predetermined frequency for driving saidfirst universal bar,

(e) a second set of transfer members connected to said printing codemembers and each one adapted to be predisposed by the correspondingtransfer member of said first set when so operated,

(f) a second universal bar for operating said second set of transfermembers so predisposed,

(g) and second means driven by said continuously operating means foroperating said second universal bar immediately before said shaftreaches said predetermined angular positions.

6. In a start-stop teleprinter comprising an arrhythmical cyclicallyoperating mechanism conditionable for opera tion upon receiving a startimpulse, a set of code elements sequentially settable under the controlof said operating mechanism according to the various units of a receivedcode combination, a set of printing code members simultaneously settableaccording to the code combination represented by said elements, acontinuously rotating shaft, and a type selecting mechanism controlledby said printing code members and adapted to be operated by said shaftat a predetermined frequency upon reaching predetermined angularpositions, a code translating device having at least a set of sensingmembers conditionable for simultaneously sensing said code elements bymeans controlled by said operating mechanism, and wherein theimprovement comprises:

(a) a first set of transfer members,

(b) a set of connecting members each one connected to one of saidsensing members and one transfer member of said first set so as todisplace said transfer member in a first direction according to theposition assumed by said sensing member,

(c) a first pair of shoulders on each transfer member of said first set,

(d) a first pair of universal bars adapted to selectively cooperate withsaid pair of shoulders for simultaneously operating said first set oftransfer members so displaced,

(e) first means mutually connecting said first pair of universal bars soas to be simultaneously oppositely reciprocated,

(f) a member continuously operated concomitantly with said shaft,

(g) first means driven repeatedly by said continuously operated memberat a frequency multiple of said predetermined frequency for operatingsaid universal bars to displace said first set of transfer members in adirection substantially perpendicular to said first direction,

(h) a second set of transfer members connected to said printing codemembers and each one adapted to be predisposed by the correspondingtransfer member of said first set when so operated,

(i) a second pair of shoulders on each transfer member of said secondset,

(j) a second pair of universal bars adapted to selectively cooperatewith said second pair of teeth for simultaneously operating said secondset of transfer members,

(k) second means mutually connecting said second pair of universal barsso as to be oppositely reciprocated,

(l) and second means for operating said second pair of universal barsimmediately before said shaft reaches said predetermined angularpositions.

7. In a start-stop teleprinter comprising an arrhythmical cyclicallyoperating mechanism conditionable for operation upon receiving a startimpulse, a set of code elements sequentially settable under the controlof said operating mechanism according to the various units of a receivedcode combination, a set of printing code members simultaneously settableaccording to the code combination represented by said elements, a firstshaft continuously rotating at a predetermined angular speed, and a typeselecting mechanism controlled by said printing code members and adaptedto be operated by said first shaft upon reaching predetermined angularpositions, a code translating device having at least a set of sensingmembers conditionable for simultaneously sensing said code elements bymeans controlled by said operating mechanism, and wherein theimprovement comprises:

(a) a first set of transfer members,

(b) a set of connecting members each one connected to one of saidsensing members and one transfer member of said first set so as todisplace said transfer member in a first direction according to theposition assumed by said sensing member,

(c) a pair of shoulders on each transfer member of said first set,

(d) a first pair of universal bars adapted to selectively cooperate withsaid pair of shoulders for simultaneously operating said transfermembers so displaced,

(e) a first link mutually linking said first pair of universal bars soas to be simultaneously oppositely reciprocated,

(f) another shaft continuously rotated concomitantly with said firstshaft at an angular speed twice the speed of the first shaft,

(g) a first cam secured to said other shaft and having a pair ofdiametrically opposite lobes,

(h) a first lever oscillated by said first cam twice during onerevolution of said other shaft,

(i) a first coupling member connected to said first link and adapted tobe engaged by said first lever for so reciprocating said first pair ofuniversal bars,

(j) a control member normally preventing said first coupling member frombeing engaged by said first lever,

(k) means controlled by said operating mechanism for disabling saidfirst control member to cause said first coupling member to be soengaged,

(I) a second set of transfer members connected to said printing codemembers and each one adapted to be predisposed by the correspondingtransfer member of said first set when so operated,

(m) a second pair of shoulders on each transfer member of said secondset,

(n) a second pair of universal bars adapted to selectively cooperatewith said second pair of shoulders for simultaneously operating saidsecond set of transfer members,

(0) a second link mutually linking said second pair of universal bars soas to be oppositely reciprocated,

(p) a second cam secured to said other shaft and having a single lobe,

(q) a second lever oscillated by said cam once during one revolution ofsaid other shaft immediately before said first shaft reaches saidpredetermined angular positions,

(r) a second coupling member connected to said second link and adaptedto be engaged by said second lever,

(s) a second control member normally preventing said second couplingmember from being engaged by said second lever,

(t) and means controlled by said first pair of universal bars upon beingso reciprocated for disabling said second control member to cause saidsecond coupling member to be so engaged.

8. In a start-stop teleprinter comprising an arrhythmical cyclicallyoperating mechanism conditionable for operation upon receiving a startimpulse, a set of code elements sequentially settable under the controlof said operating mechanism according to the various units of a receivedcode combination, a set of printing code members simultaneously settableaccording to the code combination reppresented by said elements, acontinuously rotating shaft, a set of driving pinions continuouslyrotated by said shaft, a set of driven pinions each one having a pair ofmutilated portions one of which normally faces the corresponding drivenpinions, a starting element secured to each one of said driven pinionsin the angular position of said mutilated portions and a counterelementsecured to said driving pinions for engaging the corresponding elementto start one cycle of the corresponding mutilated pinion upon rotatingsaid shaft 180 degrees, each one of said printing code members beingadapted to condition said starting element to be so engaged, a codetranslating device having at least a set of sensing membersconditionable for simultaneously sensing said code elements by meanscontrolled by said operating mechanism, and wherein the improvementcomprises:

(a) a first set of transfer members,

(b) a set of connecting members each one connected to one of saidsensing members and one transfer member of said first set so as todisplace said transfer member in a first direction according to theposition assumed by said sensing member,

(c) a first pair of shoulders on each transfer member of said first set,

(d) a first pair of universal bars adapted to selectively cooperate withsaid pair of shoulders for simultaneously operating said transfermembers so displaced,

(e) first means mutually connecting said first pair of universal bars soas to be simultaneously oppositely reciprocated,

(f) a member continuously operated concomitantly with said shaft,

(g) first means driven repeatedly by said continuously operated membertwice during the degrees of rotation of said shaft for operating saiduniversal bar to displace said first set of transfer members in adirection substantially perpendicular to said first direction,

(h) a second set of transfer members connected to said printing codemembers and each one adapted to be predisposed by the correspondingtransfer member of said first set when so operated,

(i) a second pair of shoulders on each transfer member of said secondset,

(j) a second pair of universal bars adapted to selectively cooperatewith said second pair of teeth for simultaneously operating said secondset of transfer members,

(k) second means mutually connecting said second pair of universal barsso as to be oppositely reciprocated,

(l) and second means for operating said second pair of universal barsimmediately before said counterelements engage said starting elements.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,921,407 8/ 1933 Grifiith.1,953,066 4/ 1934 Grifiith. 2,080,966 5/1937 Grifiith. 2,250,143 7/ 1941Warburton.

THOMAS A. ROBINSON, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.'R.

